We can get cheaper cases, but we have to think about protection as we hand off the iPads to the kids. Why would we protect $500 (rough low estimate) ipads with $5 cases? We need to protect this valuable windfall. We didn't spend a penny on the iPads. We owe it to the success of our iPad implementation to put them in VERY sturdy, kid-friendly cases.
FLOOR COVERING
Additionally, as we change to tile floors in all of our rooms, we have to think about floor covering for part of the room. I HATE to limit use of the iPads to one section of the room. They are MEANT to be mobile tablets. But with kids using them, we have to be realistic. I'm thinking of those plastic/rubber mats that are like puzzle pieces? Will search for other floor covering solutions.
PORTABLE STORAGE [amended by anne on 2/3/12 - If we really are only getting a few iPads, which is what it sounds like, we don't need a cart. We can very easily charge the devices using power strips. As mentioned on another page, we can update one device and restore the others using that copy]. The iPads should be moved as little as possible due to the possibility of dropping and damage. It is recommended that they be stored in the rooms where they will be used most frequently.
Allison and I devised a storage unit using a crate, a six-prong power strip, some binder clips, a roll of Rubbermaid shelf liner and some shower board squares. Mr. Cathey is going to ask one of the carpenters to look at the prototype and possibly build 2 - 6-slotted storage units. If not, we can make two simple, portable storage units for around $40.
Depending on how many iPads we're getting - Cart for 20at $1600 or Cart for 30 at $1800 from the Apple Store. This brand gets excellent reviews and would fulfill our charging and application deployment needs.YIKES! Nevermind this cart. It doesn't support syncing and had to be rigged to do so. Continuing the cart search - see below. Of course if we had some clever electronics geek-wizard who could rig this cart, we could save some money. Not sure if it's worth the bother.
CASES
Otterbox cases - Expensive, but durable. See below for slightly less expensive case options.
http://www.otterbox.com/ipad-2-cases/ipad-2-cases,default,sc.html
$50 at amazon.
We can get cheaper cases, but we have to think about protection as we hand off the iPads to the kids. Why would we protect $500 (rough low estimate) ipads with $5 cases? We need to protect this valuable windfall. We didn't spend a penny on the iPads. We owe it to the success of our iPad implementation to put them in VERY sturdy, kid-friendly cases.
iGuy
Not our best choice. Storage would be a huge problem.
https://www.speckproducts.com/iguy-ipad-cover-blue.html
Krakken
http://www.tridentcase.com/case/apple/ipad/ipad2/apple-ipad2-kraken-ii-case.html
cheaper at amazon - $32/each approximately: http://www.amazon.com/Trident-KRAKEN-Case-Apple-KKN2-IPAD-2-RD/dp/B005DSMPES/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_c
GripCase
back of the case image:
$40 at amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Gripcase-iPad-GREEN-Great-case/dp/B006PPZSA6/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1328387047&sr=1-3
M-Edge
$30/each
http://www.medgestore.com/products/ipad2-supershell.psp
Uzibull Ekto2
Available for approximately $35/each at amazon.
Big Grips
Education discount
$35 at amazon
One article about best cases for kids -
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3083885?start=0&tstart=0
FLOOR COVERING
Additionally, as we change to tile floors in all of our rooms, we have to think about floor covering for part of the room. I HATE to limit use of the iPads to one section of the room. They are MEANT to be mobile tablets. But with kids using them, we have to be realistic. I'm thinking of those plastic/rubber mats that are like puzzle pieces? Will search for other floor covering solutions.
PORTABLE STORAGE
[amended by anne on 2/3/12 - If we really are only getting a few iPads, which is what it sounds like, we don't need a cart. We can very easily charge the devices using power strips. As mentioned on another page, we can update one device and restore the others using that copy]. The iPads should be moved as little as possible due to the possibility of dropping and damage. It is recommended that they be stored in the rooms where they will be used most frequently.
Allison and I devised a storage unit using a crate, a six-prong power strip, some binder clips, a roll of Rubbermaid shelf liner and some shower board squares. Mr. Cathey is going to ask one of the carpenters to look at the prototype and possibly build 2 - 6-slotted storage units. If not, we can make two simple, portable storage units for around $40.
CART - NEVERMIND! NO CART NECESSARY.
IGNORE FROM HERE DOWN. This would only be if we had unlimited funds. ha ha ha
http://apple.bretford.com/products/mobilitycart/
Depending on how many iPads we're getting - Cart for 20at $1600 or Cart for 30 at $1800 from the Apple Store. This brand gets excellent reviews and would fulfill our charging and application deployment needs.YIKES! Nevermind this cart. It doesn't support syncing and had to be rigged to do so. Continuing the cart search - see below. Of course if we had some clever electronics geek-wizard who could rig this cart, we could save some money. Not sure if it's worth the bother.
Oh, they have one that syncs. Price increase from above, of course - $2600.